March 2009
Rock climbing is nearly a year round outdoor sport in North Carolina since our weather is so mild. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains only a few hours away, many people are learning to climb. More than 100,000 people have taken up rock climbing as a recreational activity. When the weather is too inclement, there are indoor climbing gyms.
Rock climbing is an affordable hobby. It usually is a safe sport but can be dangerous for someone who is inexperienced. The higher off the ground that you climb, the more serious your potential injury will be. Follow the guidelines listed below to have a safe rock climbing experience.
Enroll in a class
Beginner rock climbers need to take a class on rock climbing. Classes cover basic climbing and safety techniques. Chimney Rock Park offers all levels of rock climbing classes from beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert rock climbing. Each class is two-hours long and features rappelling and climbing geared to your level. Class size is limited to six people in order to provide one-on-one training. For more information call Fox Mountain Guides: 1-888-284-8433.
How to prevent injuries
New climbers are particularly susceptible to overuse injuries so they need to enter the sport gradually. It is important to warm up prior to climbing and to be in shape to avoid sprains, strains and other injuries. Rock climbers need to develop a five to 10 minute routine of stretching the arms, neck, shoulders, back and legs prior to beginning a climb.
Common rock climbing injuries
Contrary to popular belief, overuse injuries are the most prevalent and falls are rare. Falls and other accidents are more apt to occur in outdoor climbing where safety is left to the individual climber. The hand, wrist and elbows are the most vulnerable to injury. Climbers are at increased risk for rotator cuff tears or impingement situations caused by one-armed holds necessary for maneuvering up a rock face. Reaching for toeholds with the legs and hips can cause muscle strains in the lower parts of the body. Tendons may be more prone to rupture due to rotational force at the fingertips and knuckle joints. This is why enrolling in a class to learn the proper rock climbing techniques is important.
Check your gear
Before you head out for a day of rock or mountain climbing, it is very important to check your gear and replace anything that is worn out. Failing to do so can result in serious injury. Wearing a helmet while climbing may save your life. Always carry a cell phone in case you are injured and need to call for help. It is recommended that the cell phone be turned off while you are climbing. This way no one can call you while you are climbing and possibly cause an accident.
A good pair of climbing shoes is a necessary investment. The soles need to be of a sticky rubber compound. Use chalk and tape fingers to prevent blisters, keep fingers from drying and reduce friction. Taping also adds support and protection for tendons. Use it between finger joints, around wrists, and elbows.
While climbing check the knots, harness buckle, belay and rappel system frequently. A belay is the point where a rope is secured by turns around a cleat, pin or bitt during a climb. The rappelling system is used to descend from the mountain by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh across the body and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device.
Proper mindset is critical to climbing
It is important to take some time before a climb to focus on relaxation. This will help to create a mindset that will allow greater confidence and success. While every climber wants to be challenged physically and mentally, it is important to know your limits. Climbing is an exhilarating sport for the mind and body, but everyone must proceed with caution.
Life Essentials Safety Tips by Zee provided some information for this article.